Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)

Minimally Invasive treatment for moderate and severe
gum disease

Dr. Greenberg uses a state-of-the-art laser to treat gum disease.

Dr. Greenberg uses laser technology to provide minimally invasive treatment for periodontitis—gum disease that is affecting the bone and tissues that support the teeth. This technology is gentler and more targeted than the traditional surgical method using a scalpel. As a result, treatment is more comfortable and there is less trauma and faster healing.

What is LAPT?

In Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy, or LAPT, Dr. Greenberg uses a special soft and hard tissue laser—the WaterLase laser—this will remove diseased tissue leaving healthy tissue intact and bacteria free. The laser cauterizes blood vessels and nerve endings to reduce bleeding and pain. This allows Dr. Greenberg to clean infected bone and to prepare the tooth root so that the gum will reattach to it. With this laser there is no need for a scalpel to cut gum tissue or instruments to cut bone.

The beauty of LAPT is that it allows Dr. Greenberg to remove only the diseased gum tissue with pinpoint accuracy, leaving healthy tissue intact and bacteria free.

Complimentary Gum Treatment Consultation

To make an appointment, call (717) 775-7576 or click here to request an appointment online.

Our LAPT procedure

Consultation and oral exam

After reviewing your dental and medical history, Dr. Greenberg with conduct a thorough oral exam to determine the condition of your teeth and gums. He will make a careful assessment of the severity of your gum disease, using pocket probing and other tools. He will ask you about any problems you may have been having, answer all your questions and address your concerns.

Digital X-rays

Gum disease causes bone loss as it progresses, and digital X-rays provide Dr. Greenberg with information about jawbone height that can’t be detected with a visual exam.

Precise, minimally invasive disinfection of bacteria

After anesthetizing the area to be treated, Dr. Greenberg uses the laser to prepare a trough along the margin of the gums and teeth. This trough allows for increased visibility and access to remove the diseased tissue inside the gum and eliminate bacteria.

Using this minimally invasive technique, Dr. Greenberg can remove the inflamed and diseased tissue all the way to the bottom of the pocket (the space created by the gum detaching from the tooth).

Calculus removal

The laser is then set to remove the calculus— hardened plaque deposits—from the tooth root. Dr. Greenberg uses a surgical microscope to detect any remaining calculus, and repeats the procedure until the root surface is completely clean.

He then uses the laser to smooth the root surface to discourage plaque attachment and to encourage the attachment of gum tissue to the tooth.

In some cases, Dr. Greenberg uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove calculus prior to using the laser.

Sealing the pocket

Dr. Greenberg seals the pocket with surgical glue to prevent the entry of external debris that might interfere with the healing of the treated pocket.

Laser flap surgery

In some cases of very advanced periodontitis, Dr. Greenberg uses the laser to precisely create “flaps” in the gum tissue around an infected tooth. The flaps allow him unrestricted access to the deep pockets. He uses the laser to remove the diseased tissue and calculus and to smooth the root.

Benefits of LAPT

Dr. Greenberg explains the use of the laser to Dave.

Dr. Greenberg uses a WaterLase laser. Unlike most periodontal lasers, the WaterLase combines laser energy with a patented spray of water to cut soft tissue and bone without heat. This cool cutting reduces swelling and post-operative sensitivity,

Quieter and more comfortable

The treatment itself is quiet – no high-pitched drills or scraping sounds. LAPT does the work of a traditional dental drill, without the potentially uncomfortable heat, pressure and vibration.

Fewer appointments

LAPT takes about half the number of visits of traditional surgical treatment.

Faster healing and recovery time

The WaterLase laser seals the blood vessels of the tissues as it cuts, stopping bleeding and speeding tissue healing. The WaterLase laser uses water to cool its powerful laser energy, so that tissue is cut without heat, further reducing post-operative sensitivity and swelling, compared to other lasers or to traditional periodontal surgery.

LAPT is also safe for use around restorations such as crowns and dental implants.

Healthier and more aesthetic

Because LAPT is so precisely targeted, there is no loss of healthy gum or bone tissue, as usually occurs in traditional surgery. Loss of healthy tissue can lead to gum recession, the exposure of the tooth roots. Gum recession can make your teeth look unattractive and the exposed roots can cause tooth sensitivity.

Fewer medical restrictions

Many people take anticoagulants (blood thinners) to help prevent blood clots that can result in heart disease and strokes. Because anticoagulants block the formation of substances in your body that help form blood clots, surgery of any type is often restricted, or patients must discontinue the medication for a specific period of time prior to surgery.

With minimally invasive laser-assisted periodontal therapy, patients who take blood thinners can safely receive treatment as the laser cauterizes the area to control or prevent bleeding.

To make an appointment, call (717) 775-7576 or click here to request an appointment online.